Noah Sadiki scores stoppage-time winner as Sunderland beat Torreense 2-1

Noah Sadiki scored three minutes into stoppage time on Thursday, 15 October, to give Sunderland a 2-1 Europa League win over Torreense in Leiria, Portugal. Sunderland had trailed before half-time, but the comeback secured their second victory in the competition, according to DPA.

How Sunderland overturned Torreense’s lead

Volnei Feltes put Torreense ahead before the break with a shot into the top corner, as described by both The Guardian and DPA. The Guardian reported that Sunderland also had a first-half header by Timur Tutierov ruled out after Omar Alderete pulled a shirt.

Jules Ahoka brought Sunderland level with a header after the interval. The Guardian reported that the equaliser followed a quadruple substitution by manager Régis Le Bris, who brought on Enzo Le Fée, Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo. The changes preceded a late winner involving two of those substitutes.

For the decisive goal, Le Fée delivered the ball and Xhaka crossed for Sadiki, according to The Guardian. DPA described Sadiki’s finish as a half-volley. The Guardian said it was the midfielder’s first goal for Sunderland; it arrived when the match appeared headed for a draw.

Sunderland’s changes and the Leiria venue

A late VAR review followed Tutierov going down in the penalty area, The Guardian reported. The eventual decision found neither offside nor a foul. Sunderland’s previous Europa League victory had come in their opening match against AZ Alkmaar, according to DPA.

The match was played at Leiria’s stadium because Torreense’s home ground could not accommodate European football, The Guardian reported. The newspaper described Torreense as a Portuguese second-tier club that won the Portuguese Cup the previous spring. Sunderland’s travelling supporters saw Sadiki score the winner at that relocated venue.